Yes, you can register a UK car in Spain after Brexit, but it is now treated as a non-EU import. The process includes customs clearance, obtaining a ficha técnica (Certificate of Conformity – COC), passing an ITV inspection and registering the vehicle with the Spanish DGT. Depending on the vehicle, CO₂ tax (Special Registration Tax) and other import costs may apply or be waived entirely depending if you are registering the UK vehicle for a ‘change of residency’

Yes, registering an EU vehicle in Spain is generally more straightforward as it is not treated as an import. The process involves obtaining a ficha técnica (Certificate of Conformity – COC), passing an ITV inspection and completing registration with the Spanish DGT. In most cases, no import duty applies, although CO₂ tax (Special Registration Tax) may still be payable depending on the vehicle’s emissions.

A ficha técnica is the official Spanish technical document that records a vehicle’s specifications and is required before it can pass the ITV and be registered in Spain. It lists everything spec wise on the vehicle, the weight, the tyres, the homologation for example.  For EU vehicles, this is often based on the Certificate of Conformity (COC). For non-EU vehicles, including UK imports, a technical ficha must be created or adapted before the registration process can continue.

In most cases, UK vehicles require modifications to pass the ITV inspection due to the headlight beam pattern being designed for driving on the left. This often means adjusting or replacing the headlights to meet Spanish standards. Depending on the vehicle, additional changes may also be required before the vehicle can be approved and registered in Spain. The reverse and fog lights may also need attention with UK vehicles. We recommend checking if your vehicle complies. Changing Headlights info

Yes, a vehicle must be insured before it can be legally driven in Spain. During the registration process, it is often possible to arrange temporary insurance for both UK and EU vehicles while the paperwork is being completed. This is particularly useful if existing insurance has expired and the vehicle still needs to be driven to ITV appointments or during the registration period.

The cost of registering a vehicle in Spain depends on several factors, including the vehicle’s value, CO₂ emissions and whether it is being imported from outside the EU. UK vehicles may also be subject to customs duties and VAT, while EU vehicles are generally simpler. In some cases, costs such as CO₂ tax (Special Registration Tax) may be reduced or waived, for example under a change of residency. We recommend to contact us for a free estimate.